Social Worker vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Social Worker
Support individuals and families through mental health, poverty, and social challenges.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Occupational Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $36,962/year (58%) higher than a Social Worker. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Social Worker vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Social Worker | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $90,241 | $142,857 | Social $52,616 |
| New York, NY | $77,533 | $124,025 | Social $46,492 |
| Seattle, WA | $87,845 | $142,137 | Social $54,292 |
| Austin, TX | $70,990 | $108,921 | Social $37,931 |
| Chicago, IL | $68,037 | $105,288 | Social $37,251 |
| Boston, MA | $84,261 | $129,144 | Social $44,883 |
| London, UK | £50,174 | £76,976 | Social $26,802 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,837 | CA$136,460 | Social $51,623 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Social Worker or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Occupational Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Social Worker is $63,368/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $36,962 (58%).
Which has better career growth — Social Worker or Occupational Therapist?+
Social Worker roles are growing at 9% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Occupational Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Social Worker to Occupational Therapist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Documentation.
Which is harder to automate — Social Worker or Occupational Therapist?+
Social Worker has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.